Basic skills are seen as ‘the ability to read, write and speak in English / Welsh and to use mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress at work and in society in general’. The Basic Skills Agency is the national development organization for literacy numeracy and related basic skills in England and Wales whose aim is to promote continuing improvement in basic skills.

In a measured reaction to the Tomlinson report, the national development organization for literacy, numeracy and related basic skills welcomed the emphasis on basic skills, but said that still more needed to be done. Echoing the reaction of the umbrella industries representing small businesses, Alan Wells, the Director of the Basic Skills Agency said, “I am concerned about those who struggle with English and Maths and those whose skills are at a lower level… sufficient mechanisms need to be put in place to support those young people, otherwise they will be left behind.”

Basic skills are seen as ‘the ability to read, write and speak in English / Welsh and to use mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress at work and in society in general’. The Basic Skills Agency is the national development organization for literacy numeracy and related basic skills in England and Wales whose aim is to promote continuing improvement in basic skills.